HC Deb 18 April 1985 vol 77 cc226-7W
Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money has been given to Leicestershire county council in each of the past five years under section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966 to help Commonwealth immigrants and their families; if his Department monitors how the money has been spent; how often the eligibility of projects on which such moneys are spent is reviewed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waddington

Grant under section 11 is paid to local authorities only in respect of staff employed to meet the special needs of Commonwealth immigrants. The sums paid to Leicestershire county council in the latest five year period for which information is available are as follows:

£
1979–80 1,314,760
1980–81 1,539,790
1981–82 1684,994
1982–83 1,901,199
1983–84 2,189,995

During this period grant was paid both in respect of identified posts and on the basis of the formula referred to in paragraph 21 of the Home Office evidence to the Home Affairs Committee (published as HC414-II, 20 July 1981). The formula arrangement came to an end on 31 March 1984. The eligibility for further grant of posts approved under the current administrative criteria (contained in Home Office circular No. 97/1982, a copy of which is in the Library) will be reviewed after three years. A review of posts approved under the frevious arrangements, to ensure that these posts meet the current criteria, is nearing completion.